Watershed & Conservation Programs Specialist

State-of-West-Virgini; West Virginia; On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

West Virginia Conservation Authority in Berkeley County seeks a Conservation Specialist to provide technical and planning support for agricultural BMPs, stream restoration, and non-point source water quality issues. You will work with landowners, districts, and agencies to implement conservation programs and monitor progress.

The role involves field visits, data collection, and coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to advance watershed-based plans and 319/Chesapeake Bay

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science.
• Education substitutions described in the job posting include associate degree with 3 years of related work and high school diploma with 5 years of related work.
• Ability to develop and implement conservation programs as a team member or individually.
• Knowledge of water quality monitoring and sampling procedures/protocols.
• Knowledge of storm water management, sediment and erosion control, and natural stream restoration techniques.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical and program assistance to landowners, conservation districts and partner agencies.
• Provides conservation and nutrient management planning and application assistance.
• Develops and evaluates conservation plans.
• Implements WVCA conservation programs.
• Plans, designs, and oversees construction activities associated with conservation practices.
• Keeps records, conducts soil sampling and evaluation, forage testing, manure/litter sampling and analysis submission.
• Manages projects and budgets within assigned conservation district(s).
• Prepares progress reports for assigned projects and programs.
• Attends conservation district board meetings.
• Performs monthly and quarterly inspections of the Operation and Maintenance Program.
• Complies with federal, state, and local laws, standards, specifications.
• Conducts watershed assessments to evaluate future project suitability.
• Assists in watershed-based plans and grant proposals for 319 and Chesapeake Bay programs.
• Performs field investigations for EWP, Stream Restoration, and related programs.
• Prepares reports with findings and recommendations for projects, including post-construction closeout.
• Assists with other WVCA programs as needed.

Skills

Water quality monitoring

GIS/GPS

Microsoft Office

Nutrient management planning

Conservation planning

Soil sampling

Heavy equipment knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, natural resources, or environmental science

Associate degree + 3 years related experience

High school diploma + 5 years related experience

Job description

West Virginia Conservation Authority in Berkeley County seeks a Conservation Specialist to provide technical and planning support for agricultural BMPs, stream restoration, and non-point source water quality issues. You will work with landowners, districts, and agencies to implement conservation programs and monitor progress.

The role involves field visits, data collection, and coordinating with federal, state, and local partners to advance watershed-based plans and 319/Chesapeake Bay